Google Unveils Latest Android Features for Spring 2025
Google has announced the latest Android features for Spring/March 2025, alongside the Pixel Drop today. The new features include Find My Device ‘People’ sharing and Android Auto games.
To date, Find My Device has been limited to phones, tablets, watches, headphones, and trackers. The Android app is now introducing a “People” tab, currently in beta.
The new “People” tab prominently displays the location of your friends on a map view. Below that, there is a list of people, their location, and proximity, with filters for “Sharing with you” and “You’re sharing with” at the top.
Users can tap the map FAB (floating action button) to share their real-time location. A card provides a preview of the location being shared, with the option to set a duration quickly. Users can select who they want to share their location with from the list below, and link-based sharing is also available.
This functionality mirrors what is available in Google Maps, which powers the feature.
Location data is securely stored, and users have control over who sees their location and for how long, with regular reminders about the people they are sharing with.
Find My Device is following the trend of other services/platforms by adding people sharing. While consolidating the app is a good idea, it may require a new name.
Meanwhile, Android Auto is expanding its gaming offerings beyond the GameSnacks collection. When parked, eligible gaming titles already installed on the user’s phone will appear on the Android Auto display. Some of the games included are Farm Heroes Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Angry Birds 2, and Beach Buggy Racing.
With the Pixel Drop, Google is introducing real-time Scam Detection in Google Messages. The feature uses AI to flag conversational text patterns commonly associated with scams, allowing users to identify potentially harmful messages before any damage is done.
This feature can help protect users from losing money or sensitive information.
Lastly, Google is highlighting price insight capabilities in Chrome. When an eligible product is detected, a button will appear next to the address bar, providing users with pricing information.
